Ludwig epstein



' Patented July 3.0,

(No -Mod.e1.)`

,#551452 751112525 ,/iw T. 21.1.... 21.1.17..

l I, l l l .l l l l .1 .l l l l l l l I l l l l l UNITED` STATES vPATENT OFFICE.

LUDWIG yEPSTEIN, OF LONDON, ENGLAND.

S ECO N DA RY VO LTAI-C .BATTE RY.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 543,68o, dated July eo, 1895.

Application filed January 5,1895. Serial No. 533,931. (No model.) Patented in France January 2, 1895, No. 244,081; in Belgium January 2, 1895, No. 118,496; in Italy January 18, 1895, LXXIV, 245, and in Canada February 4, 1895,

.To all whom t may concern.

Be it known that I, LUDWIG EPsTEIN, a citizen of Austria, residing at 215 Gresham House, Old Broad Street, in the city and county of London, England, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Secondary Voltaic Batteries, (for which I have obtained patentsin the following countries: Canada, Februa/ry 4, 1895, No. 48,124; France, January 2,

to 1895, No. 244,081; Belgium, January 2, 1895, No. 113,496; and Italy, January 18, 1895, LXXIV, 245,) of which the following is a specification. Y

My invention relates to a construction of I5 secondary voltaic battery in which are employed negative plates having an extended zinc surface, and means are provided for insuring uniform. action over the whole surface of the plates, notwithstanding difference of 2o density of the liquor electrolyte at different levels. I am thus enabled to render. the battery more effective, and eective fora longer period after being charged.

I shall describe a cell of a secondary battery according to my invention, referring to the accompanying drawings.

Figures l and 2 are vertical sections on planes at right angles to each other, and Fig. 3 is a plan of a cell of a secondary battery 3o arranged according to my invention.

A indicates negative plates which may be separate sheets, but are preferably parts of a single sheet which is bent to and fro in zigzags, a flat portion coming between each pair 3 5 of parallel positive plates B. These positive plates are separatedfrom the negative plates by spaces, in each of which there is an agitator C in the form of a wheel havingmits boss fixed on a spindle D, which is journaled in bear- 4o ings E on the ends of the cell. A pulley F on the spindle is connected bya chain or band with a pulley G on a spindle H mounted on the upper part of the cell-wall above the level of the electrolyte. The spindle H may be mechanically connected to corresponding spindles on other cells, on turning which, either continuously or at intervals,the pulleys F and the agitators C are caused to revolve, theliquid electrolyte being thusstirred,so that its density is rendered uniform throughout, its depth. The agitator-s C may be wheels, as shown, with openings between their spokes. Their form may obviously be varied in many ways, provided that in revolving they act as agitators. In any case they are made of nonconducting material which is not acted ou bythe electrolyte-esnchor instance, as ebonite-and the spindle passes through holes of the plates so large that there is no contact of the spindle with the plates.

The positive plates B may be of any known' The kind employed in secondary batteries. negative plates A, or the bent sheet of which they form portions, is preferably of wiregauze, preferably copper, which has been amalgamated'and electrolytically coated with zinc.

The' plates are contained in an ordinary cell W, and supported on triangular non-conducting supports J, in the usual manner.

The plates B are usually of lead, with their surfaces prepared to hold lead oxide, as usual. v

The electrolyte is usually acid ulated water, but any other proper excitant for secondary batteries-may be employed.

Although I have shown only four negative and three positive'plates in the cell, there may obviously be a greater or less number.

Having thus described the nature of my invention and the best means I know for carrying the same into practical effect, I claim- 1. In a secondary battery, the combination with a negative plate made of wire gauze electrolytically coated with zinc, of positive plates insertedbetween the negative plates, and revolving agitators of insulating material inter posed between the opposed surfaces of the positive and negative plates, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

2. In a secondary battery the combination with a continuous negative plate consisting of a sheet ofwire gauze or lforaminous metal amalgamated and electrolytically coated with bends of the negative plate, and agitators inl terposed between the opposed surfaces ofthe 5 ypositive and negative plates, substantially as and for the purpose described. l

n testimony whereof I hve signed m'y msgeo zine, and bent back and forth upon itself; of naine to this specification; in tbe presenee of positive plates inserted between the folds `or two subscribing witnesses, this 21st dey of December, A. D. 1894:. v l

LUDWIG EPS'FEIN; Witnesses:

OLWER IMAY, JNO. P. M; MILLARD. 

